Monday, March 10, 2014

Chong Wei recaptures All-England title

Lee
Chong Wei sinks to his knees after winning the All-England men's
singles title, beating defending champion Chen Long in straight sets in
the final on Sunday.

BIRMINGHAM: World No.1 Lee Chong Wei gave Chen
Long a reminder just who is still the boss after a commanding
performance to win his third All-England crown at the National Indoor
Arena.
The 31-year-old Chong Wei had previously lost to Chen Long in their
last four meetings, including the All-England final last year.

But Chong Wei, playing in his sixth straight All-England final, was
in no mood for yet another defeat as he ramped up a 21-13, 21-18 win
over the world No.2 from China.
It was a superb display from Chong Wei who didn’t show any ill effects of that ankle injury that bothered him last week.

He took the first game with relative ease as Chen Long struggled to contain Chong Wei’s rampant smashes.

It was closer in the second game but Chong Wei had enough patience to
finish off Chen Long in 59 minutes, before sinking onto his knees in
joy.

“I really played my best today and I’m really happy to win my third All-England title,” said Chong Wei.

“I really prepared myself well for this game even though I wasn’t in the best condition prior to the start of this tournament.

“Perhaps the fact that this could be my last All-England also spurred me on and I’m delighted with the win.

“I also have to thank all the Malaysians, supporters and students in
England who showed up for the final. Their presence meant a great deal
to me.”

Chen Long meanwhile said that he wasn’t patient enough in tackling Chong Wei.
“I was too impatient on a match like this and I paid the price. But
it’s a lesson for me to learn for the next time I face Chong Wei,” said
Chen Long.

In men’s doubles, reigning world champions Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan
became the first Indonesian pair since Sigit Budiarto-Chandra Wijaya in
2003 to lift the All-England crown.